Pantoprazole is part of a group of medicines, known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), that works by reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces. It does this by inhibiting a key enzyme – a proton pump – involved in the production of stomach acid.
Pantoprazole is commonly prescribed by doctors for the treatment of a persistent type of acid reflux known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For everyday relief from heartburn, you can buy Pantoprazole 20mg from pharmacies, like Post My Meds.
This effective treatment is also used to prevent and treat stomach ulcers, and to treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which is caused by a tumour in the pancreas or gut.
How to take Pantoprazole 20mg
Pantoprazole is usually taken once a day, in the morning before food. Because this tablet is enteric coated to stop it from being broken down too quickly, we recommend that you swallow it whole with a glass of water and do not crush or chew it.
Most people notice a difference within two to three days, but for some, it can take as long as four weeks. If you see no improvement after 14 days of taking Pantoprazole or your symptoms are still present after 28 days, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
In rare cases, Pantoprazole can cover up the signs of a more serious illness, so it’s important that you tell your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent vomiting
- Blood in your stool (poo)
- Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- Vomiting blood
- Chest pain or stomach pain
- Severe and/or persistent diarrhoea
- Looking pale or feeling weak –signs of anaemia
Follow the advice in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.
Pantoprazole is suitable for most adults and children over 12 years, but there are some exceptions. You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to Pantoprazole or any other medication
- Have liver problems
- Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or you are breastfeeding
- Are due to have an endoscopy
Like all medicines, Pantoprazole can cause some side effects though not everyone will experience them. The most common Pantoprazole side effects include:
- Benign polyps in the stomach
- Headaches
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain, boating, and flatulence (wind)
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Dizziness (if this happens, do not drive or operate machinery)
- Skin rash and itching
- Feeling or being sick
- Sleep disturbances
In rare cases, Pantoprazol can cause a serious allergic reaction. If you experience any of the following symptoms you must seek urgent medical attention:
- Swollen face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Trouble breathing or talking
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- A rash, including itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peel skin
- Wheezing
For a full list of cautions and side effects, you should read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine before you start treatment.
What is Pantoprazole?
Pantoprazole is a type of medicine known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces for relief from the symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux. It comes in the form of a tablet and is usually taken once every day, and because it isn’t broken down straight away, its effects last for 24 hours.
What else is Pantoprazole used to treat?
Pantoprazole 20mg is available to buy from pharmacies to manage everyday acid reflux and heartburn, but there is also a high dose of Pantoprazole (40 mg), which is used by doctors to treat serious conditions of the esophagus and gut, including:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- Erosive esophagitis
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, caused by a tumour in the gut or pancreas
Pantoprazole is also used to prevent stomach ulcers in at-risk patients who are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) long-term.
How does Pantoprazole work?
Pantoprazole decreases the amount of acid your stomach produces by preventing a key enzyme from working. This enzyme, known as a proton pump, is involved in the final stages of creating stomach acid to digest your food. By stopping it from working, Pantoprazole can reduce your levels of acid for relief from the symptoms of acid reflux.
How long does Pantoprazole take to work?
Pantoprazole usually works within two to three days, but in some people, it can take as long as four weeks. If you haven’t seen an improvement after 14 days of using the treatment or you’re still experiencing symptoms after 28 days, then talk to your doctor.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you take Pantoprazole once everyday and you’ve missed your usual dose then you should take it when you remember. However, if there is less than 12 hours until your next dose, then skip the missed dose and take your next tablet as normal.
Never double-up on tablets to make up for a missed dose.
How do I store Pantoprazole tablets?
There are no specific requirements for storing Pantoprazole, but you should always keep them out of sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after it’s expiry date, which is shown on the side of the box (the expiry date refers to the last day of the month).
Can I take Pantoprazole with antacids?
Antacids, such as Rennie, are safe to take with Pantoprazole but you should leave a gap of at least two hours between taking these two medications.
Some drug interactions can cause serious illness, so if you need to take more than one type of medication, always check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Pantoprazole vs Omeprazole – which is better?
Omeprazole belongs to the same group of medicines as Pantoprazole. They are both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that work in the same way to decrease the amount of acid the stomach produces. Both medicines are available to buy from pharmacies for the treatment of everyday heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux.
If Pantoprazole isn’t working, then your doctor or pharmacist may suggest that you take a different type of PPI, such as Omeprazole or Lansoprazole.
Can I buy Pantoprazole online?
Pantoprazole (20mg) is available to buy online from Post My Meds. There are just three simple steps to buying Pantoprazole online:
- Browse our range of indigestion and acid reflux treatments
- Complete an online consultation and select your treatment
- Buy securely with fast delivery
When you buy medication online, you can expect to be asked some questions in confidence about your ongoing health and any other medication you are taking. This helps our pharmacists to decide whether you are suitable to take Pantoprazole.
You can rest assured that everything we sell is approved by the UK regulator for medicines and healthcare products (MHRA), and we only ever prescribe medication where we believe it is safe to do so.
We are a UK registered pharmacy, regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council.
